Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107844

M. Kate Stewart, MD, MPH¹, Holly Felix, MPA¹, Dana M. Perry, MA², Nancy Dockter², Jinger Morgan², H. Al Mccullough, MS², and Herb Sanderson, MPA³. (1) College of Public Health, Health Policy and Management, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, (2) Collge of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-526-6632, dockternancye@uams.edu, (3) Division of Aging and Adult Services, Arkansas Department of Human Services, PO Box 1437--S530, Little Rock, AR 72203

This presentation will describe a recent study undertaken in Arkansas, in partnership with the Arkansas Division of Aging and Adult Services(DAAS) and the Blue and You Foundation of Arkansas, to identify factors influencing consumers' decisions about long-term care (LTC) service (home/community-based or institutional care) utilization. The study population included elderly, adults with physical disabilities, and adults with developmental disabilities who are eligible for Medicaid long-term care services. Data sources include focus group sessions with providers, and key informant interviews with consumers; persons associated with these individuals (family or friends) who were knowledgeable of or who were involved in the decision to select LTC services; and health and LTC providers. Key findings to be presented include: 1. Access to information plays a significant role in the selection of long-term care services, 2. The home/community-based (H/CB) services' application process is more burdensome, and the waiting period is longer than it is for institutional care services, and 3. Workforce issues often affect consumers' ability to select the service option they desire. This presentation will describe several recommendations for policy makers and program administrators around four theme areas identified: 1 Leveling the playing field between institutional and HCB options, 2. Information dissemination and counseling, 3. Accessing services, and, 4. Improving services to meet unmet needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe study aims, motivation, and methods.
• List key factors affecting decisions about LTC service utilization.
• Identify key policy recommendations for improving access to home/community-based services.

Keywords: Long-Term Care, Medicaid

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.